As you walk in, you’re sure to be struck by the subway tiles, the seemingly miles of pies and slices that are all visible behind the clean glass, all while a flurry of activity zips off near the pizza oven. You get the slight tug that you’ve just walked off of a wide New York City avenue, but the cleanliness and beats from the brass band at the neighboring wine bar will remind you this is no NYC joint. Pizzicare (peet-zee-cah-ray) is the most recent venture of Jeff Baron and Bart Bell, both of Crescent Pie and Sausage Company and Huevos (now relegated to pop-up status), Pizzicare has a special focus on putting out high quality pizza pies and slices at a reasonable price. So far, they’ve delivered in a big way.
Endless choices for your slice (photo courtesy of Pizzicare)
Pizzicare’s quest for high quality ingredients takes it to a pretty familiar spot, as it sources a good bit of its meatiest toppings from Crescent Pie and Sausage. The remaining meats you’ll find on your slice are from Boar’s Head. Pizzicare even has a daily veggie pie that is topped with whatever the community gardening program, NOLA Green Roots, pulls from its gardens that day. You certainly can’t get any fresher than that! The result is a pizza that is very tasty, but doesn’t weigh you down for the rest of the night.
Pizzicare’s design lends it to a quick and efficient takeout and delivery business. For those looking for a quick lunch, Pizzicare is a great choice. Swing in, pick a slice or two to heat up and you’re on your way. Can’t pull yourself from the office or couch? They’ll deliver for you. Of course, this doesn’t mean that dine in isn’t a viable option. Pizzicare’s high takeout and delivery business means you’re likely to have the restaurant to yourself, which makes it an easy place to bring the kids. For the adults looking to dine-in, if you like a beer or some wine with your pizza you’ll need to BYOB for the time being. One thing that some people may find a turn off for dining in is the music from the neighboring Therapy Wine Bar can invade the space a bit at times, but so far the music has always been great!
While the traditional mark of New York style pizza is cheese, or if you’re feeling adventurous, some pepperoni, Pizzicare’s topping heavy specialty pizzas have proved too much of a pull for us to bow to some NYC “tradition.” Of course, given the generous helping of toppings on a thin crust slice, eating your pizza may take a bit more work than you’re used to. In the end, I promise you it is well worth it. Another mark Pizzicare hits perfectly are the ‘breadsticks.’ Pizzicare’s garlic knots and pepperoni sticks are a rather addicting way to get your temporary carb, meat and sauce fix while waiting on your pie to come fresh out of the oven. More than once we’ve found ourselves trying to soak up every last bit of the garlic and parmesan sprinkle topping with the sticks, or if we’ve exhausted that supply, the crispy pizza crust. Even with all that gushing about the food, one of the nicest surprises out of Pizzicare is the bill. Most every offering on the menu is priced a bit cheaper than whatever may be considered comparable at the other pizza places around town. High quality and great taste at a cheaper price? Sounds like a winner to me.
Half fried chicken and broccoli rabe, half Crescent Sausage pie (photo courtesy Pizzicare)
It will be really nice to watch Pizzicare grow, because much of that will signal the rebirth of the Tulane corridor. More selfishly, Pizzicare’s success will mean more offerings and convenience. As the business gets settled, the menu will expand (as it did yesterday with the addition of sandwiches) and the delivery zone will increase as will the number of drivers. Personally, I’m most looking forward to them opening on Sundays so I can flip on the Saints game and have some excellent pizza to soak up my Saturday night without leaving my house.
In all Pizzicare is a welcome addition to the neighborhood and is sure to make its mark on the city’s booming pizza scene in no time.
Pizzicare
3001 Tulane Ave
504-301-4823
Monday through Saturday, 11:00 am to 8:00 pm
Delivery, takeout, dine-in
BYOB, takes all forms of payment
